in the market for a decent tennis racquet

I'm just getting back into playing and have no idea how technology has changed since 1991 -- when I was last in the game.

I vaguely recall that I had an oversized Head racquet that was super light and with a bit of bounce (could be that was simply a matter of lower string tension), back in the day. In about 1990, the racquet cost around $180-230. I hear that things are a lot cheaper now (I hope?) I'm female, petite (so I could probably use a bit of power). I lettered in high school and have some basic ability but it really has been a loooooong time. I'm not THAT serious, not at all looking to compete or anything like that. Just wanting something that fits me properly -- something to support my game (any edge I could get now would be great!). :)

Notably, I played recently and borrowed an old racket, which was ... fine, but a bit heavy for me. As I get more excited about playing more regularly, I'm very curious what folks recommend -- and why.

Whew, when it comes to racquets, you'll definitely get a lot of differing opinions! You'll probably want a 'Tweener racquet though, like the Babolat Pure Drive GT or Prince EXO3 Black. There is a myriad of racquets that fit in this category. They're not real light, but not super heavy either. And they still have power enough for most people. I suggest trying out a few (if you know a shop that will allow you to demo). As for price, they are below the range you mention, but only just. Still expensive, I'm afraid, unless you buy last year's model.

I agree with the comments you have received. Joe B mentions demo, and that is what I'd recommend too. Most shops have a program, fees are credited to a purchase. Try Tennis Warehouse online. They let you demo up to 4 racquets at a time, for just shipping charges. You can read reviews and play test results for any current models and brands. Not knowing what kind of player you are, baseliner, serve and volley, all courter, it would be hard to make any recommendations. You mentioned you prefer a light racquet, which are great for players with fast swing speeds while some players prefer weight and mass. I know the Babalot Aero Pro (Nadal) is very popular but I think the Yonex e-Zone (Ivanovich) is also a nice frame to consider. If you have a chance, try racquets your friends play with. Aloha, Dudley.

I like dudley's comments. I would like to add that the aeropros (Nadal) are more spin friendly while the Yonex e-zones offer more pop for flatter hitters. So maybe try both and see which suit your game a little better.

Dudley- Does tennis-warehouse allow you to pick the tension for the demos?

The thing about demoing rackets is that you will need to purchase rackets from them at full price if you don't want to lose your credit. I guess that's okay too, but there are better alternatives.

What I did was I just tried my friends' rackets or any people that I met that would let me use their rackets for a while. Then I looked at ebay or forums for better prices once I found the ones I like.

Check out these links to help you get started (no I'm not affiliated with TW):

Hi Ivan, TW's demo program is pretty inexpensive, so I don't believe the shipping costs are credited towards purchase. I got more information from TW, that the strings they use are typically ones provided by the manufacture, synthetic. If a poly is used, it's strung mid-range, minus 2 pounds.

Cool. Thanks for ALL of the feedback, folks! I stopped by Sports Authority because it happened to be near where we were today and learned that I have a Size 2 grip. They showed me a few Prince, Head and Babolat -- all of which felt nice. I don't have the specs with me now...I'll report later when I locate them.

From what I gather, I think that I'm enough of a non-expert who needs power, such that I could use an oversized head.

In any event, I'm not in a big hurry and so will definitely continue to do research, check out TW, find friends that will let me borrow their racquets (although that's tough because my grip size is so small).

I'm very excited to be playing again and being part of this online community is definitely helping that excitement along!

i wanted a perfect racket for me, i looked at a small head and the over sized head. 100 sq inches-110 sq inches. i found out that a 100 sq in racket required the player skill level advanced 4.5 range the 110sq in is used by some professionals.so my range would look like 105 sq in -109 sq in and 107 sq inches would satisfy me and i was right. with natural gut and strung for power i am lovin it!